In a world full of judgments it has become difficult to say anything in public without outlandish results. A few weeks ago someone posted an opinion piece on social media and said “this is interesting.” When I responded in a way that disagreed with the article, that was not written by the person who posted it, I was suddenly inundated with aggressive accusations of rudeness.
Supporting vaccines (NOT requiring them of others) brings anti-vaxxers out in force. Using astrology as a mentoring tool is an insult to people who love Myers-Brigs and the Strengths inventory, and finds me accused of being too “woo-woo” even though I have a masters in a hard science and a PhD in psychology. Understanding that the life journey for a woman of color has challenges means I am called “woke,” a term that is not definable. Being pro-Israel means someone is going to call me a Zionist racist bigot. Being financially secure and charging for my services upsets the new-age spiritual group, while I am simultaneously hunted by coaches promising to help me build a six-figure business, and telling me I am not committed enough.
Basically I am too liberal and too conservative; too open minded and a bit of a racist; too spiritual but not Christian (I am Jewish and open to attack from all sides); worked too hard but had it too easy; and have built security, but should build more and feel a bit ashamed. Oh, and I should have had children to save the world which is overpopulated, and must misinterpret Jewish scriptures as an anti-abortion argument (did I mention my master’s in Jewish Studies?).
So again, going rogue seems to be the best course for me. I might never actually fit into a group, but then again I will not be domesticated. And I must confess that blending in has never been my life goal.